Stupid Office Tricks

Learning Center

When the boss says "I can see your point," it really means "I'm not listening to you, but I'll say anything to get you to shut your trap."

"I will need to review this" means "Don't hold your breath."

This and several other boss-speak translations are helpfully provided in a smart-alecky new book, Soar Above the Madness (Rutledge Hill Press, $12.99).

The slim hardback is designed in scrapbook style with paper clips, coffee stains and pictures of everything from geeky office drones and broken pencils to monkeys and rubber chickens.

Authors Miriam Drennan and Joel Anderson help readers wade through the morass of office politics by identifying common workplace annoyers (Hi-Ho Smiley-Schmooze; Office Cheerleader; Knifenbacker, Passive-Aggressive Player) and offering tips such as "Didn't get enough sleep? Wear dark glasses into the office and tell everyone you've been to the eye doctor. Nightie-night."